Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Me? A Stuffed Toy Repair Specialist?

Emergency !!! Emergency !!! Broken bear found !!!

Here in the Philippines, rag dolls proliferated for many years since the 70's. Sometimes these special friends have been loved to the point that oftentimes, they need a little extra care or repair. Their 'stuffing' is no longer fluffy or soft, may be missing an eye, nose or limb, or ripped by pets and rough play.

Through the years, Philippine soft toy designs have evolved. Thanks to the influence of our American and European friends whose hearts were captured by the famous Teddy bears and other stuffed animals. And up to now we enjoy different varieties of toys, there's just too many to choose from! But even so, the same problems continue to beset Pinoy kids: a bear's broken neck, a ripped ear, another limb of their toy detached from its 'main' body!

Such is what I saw when I visited my brother in Concepcion, Marikina.

With expert sewing and mending skills I've developed through years of constant toy making and the availability of modern materials and replacement parts, their broken teddy bear and ripped stuffed horse were carefully restored. I can never forget the smile on my nephew's face as he saw his beautiful toy revived to its original state. From then on, every time someone approaches me for repair, I see to it that the toy is treated with the utmost care, because I understand how some toys are irreplaceable and repairing them for our loved ones is a rewarding endeavor that brings us great pleasure.